Open EducationalResourcsPros and ConsLaura Staley / RTC Library

OER Advantages

Pros

• OER is less expensive for students.

• Non-OER textbook costs for one RN section, Sept 2015: $1413.75

Pros

• OER allows more flexibility in course design.

• Assign a $200 text, follow that text closely. Assign a free OER, add emphasis where you want.

Pros

• There are no copyright worries with OER

• With OERs, you know that you’re not violating copyright.

Pros

• OER improves access for all students.

• Quality curriculum is available to everyone with an internet connection.

Pros

• OER improves the quality of materials by allowing many contributors.

• Curriculum reviewed and added to by many skilled professionals is going to be better curriculum.

OER Disadvantages

Cons

• OER materials may lack quality.

• No one makes money off OER materials. There is often no incentive to refine them.

Cons

• OER efforts currently depend on the enthusiasm of a few individuals.

• Without a widespread culture of creating and making OER materials available, OER may just be one more fad.

Cons

• OER efforts are often not sustainably funded.

• Many OER materials are the result of grants. When grant funding runs out, efforts may not continue.

Cons

• OER materials do not yet have a great depth of supporting materials.

• Publisher-produced materials have extras like test banks and presentation slides. It will take time to build these up for OER materials.

Cons

• OER is new, and many educators are not yet convinced of its value.

• OER requires that educators be willing to give up intellectual property. They need to be convinced that it is worthwhile. This may take time.

Summary

OER materials are new and will require institutional support, but they offer expanded access, lower textbook costs, and the opportunity to create better materials for the world’s students.

The End.

Picture Credit:• "Books" by Herman is in

the Public Domain, CC0